Researchers develop novel, non-invasive cancer therapy using targeted single-walled carbon nanotubes
A staggering 1.7 million persons in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016, with 600,000 cases ending in death. University of Oklahoma researchers have collaborated to design a novel, non-invasive cancer therapy that could eliminate tumors without affecting the healthy cells in the body.
The cancer therapy targets specific cancer cells using single-walled carbon nanotubes that bind directly to the tumor, then are heated with near-infrared light. The OU photothermal therapy is most effective against shallow or surface tumors in breast, bladder, esophageal and melanoma cancers, without the adverse side effects of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Dr. Stegall’s Comments: This research is consistent with what we have seen in alternative cancer treatment for decades, which is that cancer cells are susceptible to both heat and light. Heat, whether given as localized hyperthermia, whole-body hyperthermia, or radiation, has been shown to disrupt the energy production in some (but not all) forms of cancer. Likewise, certain wavelengths of light on the spectrum also seem to disrupt cancer cells’ activity. Treatments which show encouraging results while also being safe and non-toxic are winners in my book! As always, my caveat is that none of these treatments should be stand-alone therapies, but rather part of an overall integrative protocol which utilizes multiple tools in our toolbox.
New Cancer Therapy: Food Poisoning?
Scientists at the Cancer Research Center and the University of Missouri have developed a nontoxic strain of Salmonella to penetrate and target cancer cells. Results from this study could lead to promising new treatments that actively target and control the spread of cancer.
https://vimeo.com/188991537
Dr. Stegall’s Comments: Using a strain of bacteria to target cancer cells and help concentrate chemotherapy there is a novel approach. A delivery system such as this is very similar in concept to insulin potentiation therapy (IPT) which we do in my office. With IPT, we give insulin in a specific way which we believe better directs chemotherapy to the cancer cells we are targeting while sparing more of the healthy cells we want to protect.